Police Rescue 15 Kidnap Victims in Kogi State Operation

On August 9, 2026, the Kogi State Police Command successfully rescued 15 individuals who had been kidnapped along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area. The incident occurred around 4:00 pm when suspected kidnappers intercepted a Peace Mass Transit bus.

Following the abduction, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat reported that Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi ordered the deployment of tactical and intelligence resources to locate the abductors. The operation involved personnel from the Police, 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, and other security forces.

A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the neutralization of several kidnappers, while others fled. The operation, however, resulted in casualties, with one local vigilante killed and a police officer sustaining injuries.

The rescued victims, including two Federal Road Safety Corps personnel, were found safe and unharmed. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ongoing security operations across the state continue.